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Health Anxiety Therapy in St Albans, Hertford & Online

​It is natural to experience occasional concerns about our health. In fact, such worries can be beneficial as they can motivate us to adopt healthier habits, like improving our diet, quitting smoking, or engaging in regular exercise.

However, some individuals find themselves excessively

preoccupied with their health, leading to overwhelming

distress that takes control of their lives. This condition

is commonly known as health anxiety or hypochondria.

If you are currently grappling with health anxiety,

remember that you don't have to endure it alone. I am here to support you in addressing this anxiety and reclaiming your life.

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While the medical term for this condition is hypochondria, I will use the term health anxiety moving forward, as it carries less negative connotations.

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Health Anxiety?

Health anxiety encompasses the tendency to experience excessive worry regarding one's health, even in the absence of substantial medical grounds. This can manifest as persistent concerns about having serious illnesses such as cancer, experiencing a stroke, or being afflicted with HIV/AIDS, despite lacking medical evidence to substantiate these fears.

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Individuals with health anxiety commonly exhibit a range of behaviors. You may identify with some or all of the following:

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  • Frequently seeking reassurance from others, including healthcare professionals, family, and friends, regarding health concerns

  • Engaging in regular online research about symptoms

  • Frequently checking your body for signs of illness

  • Avoiding situations or places associated with illness, such as GP surgeries, hospitals, and being around individuals who are unwell.

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Experiencing excessive worry about health and engaging in the aforementioned behaviors can gradually disrupt various aspects of individuals' lives, including work, relationships, and leisure activities. This can subsequently give rise to additional emotional challenges, such as depression. It is also frequently observed for individuals with health anxiety to experience co-occurring Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

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What Causes Health Anxiety and Keeps in Going?

Several experiences can contribute to an increased likelihood of developing health anxiety:

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  • Having personally encountered a significant physical health issue or witnessing a close person going through one

  • Experiencing the loss of a loved one

  • Having a family member who struggles with health anxiety

  • Being exposed to negative or alarming information in the media, such as stories of misdiagnoses or severe and unpleasant illnesses

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These experiences can instill a sense of vulnerability in individuals, triggering excessive worry and preoccupation with their own health.

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Now let's explore some of the factors that contribute to the maintenance of health anxiety:

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  • Anxiety can trigger various uncomfortable and seemingly unusual physical sensations in the body, including increased heart rate, tingling sensations, muscle tension, and difficulties with concentration. Additionally, it is common for everyone to experience occasional minor discomfort in their bodies, such as decreased energy, aches, and small bumps or lumps. However, if an individual already has significant concerns about their health, they may misinterpret these physical sensations as indications of a severe illness. This misinterpretation can further escalate anxiety, causing the physical sensations to intensify. Furthermore, excessive worry about health leads to heightened attention on internal bodily sensations, making it easier to notice the aforementioned physical sensations. It is worth noting that focusing extensively on a physical sensation often results in its amplification, which is a well-established phenomenon.

  • It is common to have a natural inclination to seek advice and reassurance from others when you are concerned about physical sensations. However, you may have encountered instances where those around you dismiss or downplay your physical experiences, attributing them to being "all in your head." When seeking medical advice, your concerns about your physical symptoms may have been overlooked or disregarded. This can lead to heightened worry and anxiety, as you start to question whether your concerns have been adequately addressed. On the other hand, there might be occasions when your doctor agrees to conduct medical investigations, which subsequently reveal no underlying medical issues. While this may initially provide some reassurance, the relief is often short-lived. Instead, you may find yourself worrying that something has been overlooked or misdiagnosed, fueling further excessive worry. As a result, the cycle of seeking reassurance intensifies in an attempt to attain temporary relief.

 

How Does Therapy Help Health Anxiety and What are the Best Approaches?

During the initial stages of therapy, I will work with you to develop a comprehensive understanding of your health anxiety, including its origins and the factors that contribute to its persistence. This process can be empowering and provide valuable insights for overcoming it. Within the therapeutic environment, you will have the opportunity to explore your worries and the challenges they present, all within a supportive and non-

judgmental space. It's important to recognise that

the physical sensations you experience are valid

experiences. However, if medical causes have

been ruled out and you continue to excessively

worry about your health, therapy can help you

understand that these sensations often stem from normal physiological responses, rather than indicating a serious illness.

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As a health anxiety therapist, I will also guide you in learning various coping strategies to effectively address your health anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly recommended for health anxiety due to its proven efficacy supported by research and clinical experience. In CBT for health anxiety, the behaviors associated with your worries will be explored. It is likely that you will discover that although these behaviors provide temporary relief, they ultimately contribute to increased anxiety in the long run. Your therapist will assist you in challenging your worries and recognising how your anxiety contributes to the experience of unpleasant physical sensations. Throughout the course of therapy, you will develop the necessary skills to effectively manage your health concerns, allowing you to regain control of your life without being hindered by excessive worries.

 

Below is a typical vicious cycle experienced by individuals with health anxiety, as depicted within the framework of CBT:

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Trigger: Sensation of feeling unwell

Thoughts: Heightened sensitivity to bodily changes, intensified focus on perceived bodily changes, thoughts of "I have cancer, I am going to die"

Emotions: Anxiety, stress, feeling overwhelmed

Behaviour: Seeking reassurance from friends, family, and healthcare providers, frequently checking for symptoms or lumps, searching for symptoms online (Provides temporary relief but is short-lived)

Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, bodily tension, appearance of lumps/soreness (resulting from excessive probing), cognitive fog, tingling sensations

 

Alternative psychological approaches that have demonstrated effectiveness in supporting individuals with health anxiety include mindfulness-focused therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 

What are the Benefits of Therapy for Health Anxiety?

You don't have to face health anxiety alone. Research and clinical evidence indicate that therapy for health anxiety can bring about several positive outcomes, such as:

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  • Decreased levels of worry

  • Enhanced mood

  • Improved overall quality of life

  • Increased ability to confront challenging situations despite anxiety

  • Greater participation in social activities

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Moreover, encouragingly, the research suggests that these benefits often have a lasting impact.

 

How Long Does Therapy For Health Anxiety Last?

The duration of therapy varies based on the severity of health anxiety. Individuals experiencing milder symptoms may achieve substantial progress within six sessions. Typically, people can derive significant benefits from a range of six to twenty-four sessions in total.

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If you would like therapy for health anxiety in St Albans, Hertford or online please email me at contact@hertstherapypractice.com or complete the webform below.

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Useful Health Anxiety Resources:

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Health-Anxiety

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/health-anxiety-self-help/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/health-anxiety/

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Therapy session for man with anxiety

Contact

St Albans Rooms             

21 Victoria Street             

St Albans                       

AL1 3JJ                           

England   

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And

 

Hertford Well-Being    

5A Great Northern Works

Hartham Lane

Hertford

SG14 1QW

England

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07825910485

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  • How much does therapy cost?
    I provide therapy on a self funded basis and can also see individuals with insurance cover. The rate for self funded sessions is £110 per 50 minutes session. For more information, please see the following page: Fees
  • How do I know if I need therapy?
    Knowing when to seek therapy is an important step in prioritising your mental health. While everyone’s journey is unique, certain signs and experiences suggest that professional support may be beneficial. Therapy can help if you are: 1. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress or Emotions If you’re constantly anxious, sad, or irritable, and these emotions feel unmanageable, mental health support can provide tools to regain control and balance in your life. 2. Experiencing Persistent Negative Thoughts Repetitive worries, self-doubt, or feelings of hopelessness may signal deeper issues that a therapist can help address. 3. Struggling with Relationships Conflicts, communication challenges, or feelings of disconnection in personal or professional relationships may benefit from exploring patterns and building healthier interactions. 4. Facing Major Life Transitions Significant changes, like a breakup, job loss, or becoming a parent, can be emotionally taxing. Therapy offers a safe space to process these adjustments. 5. Dealing with Physical Symptoms of Stress If headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems persist without a clear medical cause, they might be linked to emotional distress, which therapy can help alleviate. 6. Feeling Stuck or Unfulfilled A sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, or difficulty achieving goals can often stem from unresolved personal challenges. Therapy can guide you toward clarity and growth. 7. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Over-relying on alcohol, food, or avoidance behaviors to cope with stress or emotions could indicate the need for healthier strategies. What Therapy Can Offer You Therapy provides a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and develop skills to cope with life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can help you move forward with confidence.
  • What happens in the first therapy session?
    The first therapy session is a welcoming space designed to help you feel comfortable and supported as you take this important step toward improving your mental health. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Exploring Your Concerns I will ask about what has brought you to therapy. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or something else, this is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. 2. Learning About Your Background To better understand your situation, I will ask about your personal history, lifestyle, work, and relationships. This helps create a fuller picture of who you are and what you’re experiencing. 3. Goals We will explore your goals for therapy and we will discuss how therapy will be tailored to your needs. 4. Building a Connection The first session is a chance to see how you feel about my style and approach. I am warm and down to earth which can help create a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for successful outcomes. There’s no need to prepare extensively—just come as you are. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but I am there to support you every step of the way.
  • What types of therapy do you offer?
    I provide evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to your individual needs, including: 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. 2. Schema Therapy Schema Therapy helps you explore and heal deep-rooted patterns developed in childhood that may affect your relationships and emotional well-being. It’s ideal for addressing long-standing challenges such as low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. 3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions, clarifying your values, and committing to meaningful action. It’s particularly helpful for managing anxiety, chronic stress, and life transitions. Each therapy type is designed to address different challenges, and we’ll work together to determine the approach that best suits you. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, the tailored therapy I offer can provide the tools you need to thrive.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs, goals, and the type of mental health difficulties you’re facing. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what to expect: 1. Short-Term Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Typically lasts between 6 to 20 sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s goal-oriented and focused on providing practical tools for change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): May range from 8 to 16 sessions, depending on the complexity of your goals and challenges. 2. Medium to Long-Term Therapy Schema Therapy: Often requires a longer commitment, especially for deep-rooted patterns or longstanding difficulties like low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, or chronic relationship issues. Therapy can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual progress. 3. Tailored Approach Therapy duration is always personalised. Some people feel significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from ongoing sessions to work through complex challenges or maintain mental health over time. I will regularly review your progress and goals with you, ensuring that therapy is aligned with your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression or personal growth, therapy is designed to provide support at a pace that feels right for you.
  • What specific regulations or qualifications do you have?
    I am a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist where I am trained to a Doctoral level. I am registered with the recognised body of the HCPC. I adhere to strict ethical standards, prioritise ongoing professional development, and maintain valid insurance coverage. I ensure I deliver ethical, effective, and personalised mental health care tailored to your needs.
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